How to manage acne

Acne is one of the most common inflammatory skin disorders.

When it comes to experiencing acne, there can be multiple factors that come into play since the integumentary system connects with other organ systems.

Acne is characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules, and can result in post inflammatory skin changes, including skin discoloration and scarring.

The epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and the sebaceous glands are involved in forming acne. On a cellular level, the main influence is a microbial fluctuation of microbes that are found on the skin possessing their purpose. For acne to progress, the microbial population has to get around the defense barriers of the skin to survive.

•   Open comedones (black heads)
•   Closed comedones (white heads)

•   Cysts
•   Nodules
•   Papules
•   Pustules

• Our skin barrier plays a crucial role in the health of our skin. If the skin barrier is irritated, you can be prone to breakouts. Supporting the skin barrier by using nourishing hydrating topical products, and ensuring to not over do exfoliates and actives on active acne.  
  
  
• Blood sugar imbalances.
  
  
• Gut microbiome imbalances caused from pathogens such as parasites, bacteria overgrowth, fungal, and H. Pylori.
  
  
• Intestinal permeability.
  
  
• Hormonal disruption.
  
  
• Thyroid imbalance.
  
  
• Sluggish drainage / detoxification pathways. 
  
  
• Stress.
  
  
• Food sensitivities such as dairy, gluten, and eggs. 
  
  
• Certain skin care products that could be contributing to clogged pores.
  
  
• Mold exposure.
  
  
• Overdoing supplementation intake – which can overburden the liver, plus the quality of supplements is important to note. Some individuals experience from over dosage of Vitamin B12, Biotin, and even Vitamin D.
  
  
  

Solutions to support acne symptoms:

 

 

External support 

• Supportive skincare routine that targets acne but does not disrupt the skin barrier. Bioactive Complex is formulated with sea buckthorn that has wound-healing properties, and gamma-linolenic acid to improve acne, and works to support a healthy skin barrier. 
  
  
• Lymph drainage support. Dry brushing can work to move sluggish lymph to support the entire body. Gua Sha is a tool that can support draining the lymph, but we suggest not using the tool over an active acne breakout.
  
  
• Reduce toxin load from personal products and cleaning products.
  
  
• Not picking your skin.
  
  
• Reduce stress.

• Support drainage pathways – liver, gallbladder, kidneys, digestive system, and lymphatic system (this is very important for foundational health)
  
  
• Support your nervous system.
  
  
• Address any root cause issues such as viral load, mold, parasites, Lyme, Lyme co-infections, chemicals, heavy metals, and high toxin load.
  
  
• Ensure you are getting enough minerals and micronutrients into diet to support cellular health.
  
  
• Support the immune system.
  
  
• Support our digestive system. (examples: reducing processed foods, limiting exposure to things that disrupt our microbiome such as glyphosate, reducing alcohol)
  
  
• Incorporate a nutrient dense diet with enough daily fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
  
  
• Balance blood sugar throughout the day.
  
  
• Correct hormonal imbalances.
  
  
• Eliminating potential foods temporarily that you may be sensitive with that can cause breakouts until imbalances are healed and gives the body time to heal and lower stressors. Note: a strict diet is not a forever thing.
  
  
• Support antioxidants in the body, found in whole food sources, herbs, and spices.
  
  
• Correct any nutritional deficiencies to provide the body with nutrients it needs to support healing. (comprehensive testing would be useful to see if you currently have any deficiencies to begin with)
  
  
• Support the adrenal glands, by reducing stimulant intake such as caffeine, reduce stress, overworking and not allowing rest. 
  
  
• Ensure you are getting quality sleep for overall body support. 
  
  
• Address the emotional component to acne. Not letting acne define who you are. It will improve. Working on negative beliefs and reducing saying anything negative towards yourself.

If you are really struggling on where to begin on your acne healing journey, it might be best to work with a practitioner to help show you the correct order of operations to resolve your acne symptoms.